5 ms·

What's the difference between the two?

• a-priori 10y ago
  "Legalize" means it's fully legal to produce, distribute and buy. It may be regulated, so you may need a license and follow certain rules, but other than that it's like any other product on the market. "Decriminalize" means it's still illegal to produce, distribute or buy, but it's not a criminal offence. So you may be fined, etc., but you can't be arrested or go to jail for it.
  • mtgx 10y ago
    It should be legalized, but with one condition: any and all advertising should be banned. In fact, it should apply to all drugs (as it is in other countries).
    • ArtDev 10y ago
      That is fine, but beer and liquor need to be included as well. Just because alcohol prohibition ended first, doesn't mean it deserves special treatment (I live in a state where cannabis is legal).
• nucleardog 10y ago
  Legalized = "you are not prohibited from doing this" Decriminalized = "you're not allowed to do this, but we won't treat you like a criminal if you do" Rather than years in jail and a criminal record, the punishment would be more akin to a speeding ticket - pay a fine, go on your way.
  • mgbmtl 10y ago
    They're also discussing how to commercialize it (and tax it), which is an important aspect of legalization. It's likely that many provinces will choose to control sales through state-controlled companies.